Peltor Ipod Earmuff Review

[IslandTractor]

Even foam plugs will give you about a 20db shield which is generally all you need for tractor work. I'm sure that the shooting muffs probably do at least that well. I don't think the small cords from an iPod would interfer much with the ambient sound deadening.

[medicshawn]

I have the digital peltors with the MP3. I have also been looking at these as an alternative.
http://www.gemplers.com/product/1518...tible-Earplugs

[woodlandfarms]

I have seen some new "aircraft" earbuds that reduce cockpit noise. Anyone got $500?

For me I have the digital Peltors, and I am no fan. I clip my Ipod nano with a clipped hard plastic case to the headband. Seems to work OK. Problem is that I do not have a short, 4" cord, so I have to bundle the cord up and after a day or two it is a mess.

I am thinking about getting an FM transmitter for the Nano, but man, I have to stop spending money on entertainment. This also leaves the nano unprotected.

Also I am considering a 5 watt FM transmitter and hooking it up to the home stereo. Yes, I know it is illegal, but given our area, and the lack of any FM reception, I am not too concerned. This would also allow the wife,with the aid of a microphone, to call me when.... wait... now that is a stupid idea...

[Rudevette]

I use my MP3 along with my Bose over ear noise canceling headphones. Works great. Those headphones are just the best. I use them on the tractor, lawnmower, out jogging during the winter (I use in ear Bose jogging during the summer), all the time.


-Justin

[newbury]

I've been using a pair of 29DB reducing Ear protectors for over 20 years. I just "stuff" my ear buds to whatever I'm listening to in the protectors.
Get the best you can, it's no fun being deaf. I lost my hearing for six months after a surgery, until finally a doctor realized I had extra long root canals filled with extra long wax.

[Noland]

I like the Peltor Worktunes unit but it does not put out enough volume for me to hear while mowing on my ZTR. The manual that comes with it states that it is intentionally limited to a certain decibel level in order to protect hearing.

I don't regret buying it, though. It is great for doing just about anything besides mowing. It is fine for use on my tractor and for wearing while cutting firewood or string trimming etc., but on a loud mower it just isn't listenable.

Foe mowing I use earbuds under earmuff protectors.

[mudcat]

Originally Posted by RobS

I have had a similar experience with both versions of the Peltor as well. First set I liked a lot but the manual tuner was a problem. That set eventually died of unknown causes.

I recently got the digital version with MP3 input. It's better but still not perfect. Tuning is much easier though it still suffers some static/poor reception. My biggest complaint is the MP3 input. All it does is override the radio so you have to have it tuned to a weak frequency. Seems I cannot get a clear MP3 signal. Also, like the OP I found there is no place for the MP3 player. I kept mine in my shirt pocket while mowing for ease of access but found all the dust got into the controls. It's ok, but I'm no longer using it on the tractor. Radio is fine anyway.

So, for radio I give it a 7 of 10, for MP3 I give it a 2 of 10. For noise control it get's a 9 of 10 and for comfort/ergonomics an 8 of 10. Overall, better than nothing for sure.

Try turning the radio off to listen to your mp3 player.

[GaryS]

For three years I used my iPod and my favorite Sony Sport headphones but I worried about having to turn up the volume to cover up the tractor noise. I recently got both of these and I'm really impressed with the sound and the noise reduction:

• Altec Lansing UHP336 Snugfit In-ear Earphone
• Koss VC20 Volume Control

The total for both was ~$40.

I got the Volume controller for two reasons:

1. I lock the iPod and then need to fumble with it to change the volume when a song comes on too loud,
2. the wires are never long enough and this adds a good amount to the length between the ipod and headphones.

The in-ear headphones do take some time to get use to but when they're set, they really work well. The music can be low and I can hear details that I never would have with the other headphones. If I want a radio, there are a bunch that work with the iPod too.